Dental Implant Treatment Options

Replacing All Your Teeth

If you are missing most or all of your teeth, or you need to have all your teeth extracted, you have multiple replacement options with Dr. Jeffrey Lee. He has been in practice since 1993 and is a Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon. A trained cosmetic surgeon with years of experience in aesthetics, Dr. Lee can provide you with beautiful, natural-looking and functional results.

Here are the various options for replacing all of your teeth:

Traditional Dentures. While denture technology has improved, there are still many drawbacks to using dentures as your treatment option. You can read about them here.

Implant-Supported Bridges. A permanently fixed set of porcelain teeth supported by dental implants. This is the most natural-looking, acting and stable of the treatment options.

All teeth replaced with implants. The replacement of a full arch (upper or lower jaw) of teeth, all with dental implants.

Whichever option you ultimately choose, it is important to understand that when replacing all of your teeth there are various factors that have to be taken into consideration. These include periodontal (gum) health, the bite (how the upper and lower arches fit together), the position of the various associated structures (nerves, sinuses) and the state of the bone in the jaws.

When the reconstruction of your dentition involves dental implants, careful planning needs to be done to ensure that your new smile is fully functional, healthy and pain-free, as well as aesthetic.

Dr. Lee is a specialist in the procedures and technology of dental implants and can evaluate your condition and determine the best tooth-replacement option for your circumstances.

If your teeth need extracting

The best time to place dental implants is often at the time the teeth are extracted. This is because the jawbone may still be in good condition to receive dental implants.

Ones jawbone shrinks after teeth have been removed. By placing implants at the same time of teeth removal, the problems of a shrinking bone in the jaw would be minimized. This saves you from having to undergo bone grafting in the future or experiencing other complications, such as collapsing facial structure and tone.

Implant-Supported Dentures

An implant-supported denture is attached to implants placed in the jawbone, giving the denture added strength and stability.

A denture can be supported with two implants that snap onto ball-shaped attachments.

Another method is a retaining bar on the jawbone.

An implant-supported denture fixes the problem of uncomfortable, unstable dentures.

A denture can be stabilized with as little as two implants in an arch. This gives the denture more support while chewing and greater comfort. However, the more implants used, the more stable the denture will be. Also, with more implants placed in the jaw, there is less chance of bone loss occurring.

As well as providing sufficient support to keep the dentures stable, well-prepared dentures take into account the ideal bite and function of the mouth. This can also improve facial structure, giving it a “facelift” as the dentures support the lips and face.

Fixed-Implant Dentures

Similar to a dental bridge, a fixed-implant denture is a denture that can only be removed by the dentist. Unlike a dental-bridge, the denture is made out of acrylic and not porcelain teeth.

To schedule an appointment, call 714.734.936 or click here to schedule online.

Implant-Supported Bridges

A three-tooth bridge supported by two implants.

Multiple implants are placed across the jawbone to provide support for a dental bridge composed of porcelain prosthetic teeth. When replacing teeth in an entire arch, or both arches, of the jaw, meticulous diagnosis and planning are required. Dr. Lee evaluates to ensure that the right number of implants are being used, that they are placed in the correct location and angle, and that any necessary preparation has been completed, such as bone grafting.

Immediate Teeth

With modern advancements, it is possible to place implants on an arch and connect them to a temporary fixed bridge that can be immediately used to chew with. Various names have been given to this procedure (such as Teeth-in-a-Day, Same-Day-Teeth and All-on-4) but they all rely on certain physiological requirements for success. Dr. Lee can screen patients to evaluate if they are eligible for this type of treatment.

To schedule an appointment, call 714.734.936 or click here to schedule online.